Supporting unit for vehicles



March 27, 1928.

H. C. MCCLEARY SUPPORTING UNIT FOR VEHICLES Filed April 25. 1926 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 4 March 27, 1928'.

l'l.4 C. MCCLEARY SUPPORTING UNIT FOR VEHICLES Filed April 23. 1926 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 27, 1928. n,664,305

j H. c. MCCLEARY SUPPORTING UNIT FOR VEHICLES FiledApril '25. 192e e sheetsheet s March 279 1928.

H. C.- MCCLEARY SUPPORTING mm1 FOR VEHICLES Filed April 25. 1926 March 2'?, E28.

i H. c. MGCLEARY SUPPORTING UNIT FOR VEHICLES Filedxpril 2s. 1926 s sneetssheet' 5 March Z7, l928 i H. c. MCCLEARY supronfu'ue UNIT Fon VEHICLES Filed- April 25, 192e 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented Mar. 27, 1928. .i

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HARRY C. MGCLEARY, 0F WASHINGTON, DISTRICT 0F COLUMBIA.

SUPPORTING UNIT' FOR VEHICLES.

Application led April 23, 19.26. Serial No. 104,156.

This 'invention relates to a supporting unit for vehicles, and particularly to a construction adapted to embody in a spring suspension independent driving means for the several wheels thereof.

In the art of spring suspension it has been difficult to secure satisfactory results in driving the wheels through the suspending medium by an interposed differential, and it is found particularly desirable to embody a separate driving motor With the suspend' ing unit for each of the Wheels.

In the previous types of spring suspension the springs have been disposed at'substantially the mid length of the connectors or extending for the continued length thereof. It has been found, however, that by moving the point of spring suspension for the connectors to "the greatest distance from their inner pivots the length of leverage is increased and greater eliiciency secured as the spring being disposed directly at the Wheel Will absorb the-normal vibrations thereof Without even transmitting it tothe connectors. This arrangement of the spring per mits its rigid support upon the vehicle frame and its direct assemblage With the connectors by means of spring carriers mounted thereon.

It has also been found in previous driving connections of this genera-l character that it Was diiiicult to remove the separate members thereof and I have provided means by which l the drive shaft members may be readily removed from their bearings and replaced therein Whenever desired.

The invention has for an obj ect to provide a novel and improved construction wherein the frame carrying the vehicle body is provided With a spring supportdirectly yadjacent the Wheels and adapted to operate in opposite directions of movement thereof.

further object of the invention'is to provide an improved construction of supporting casing for the spring Amembers and pivoted connectors, the latter being mounted vupon a common pivot at substantially the transverse center of the vehicle and extendf ed outward forconnection With the wheel supports at which point the connectors are provided With spring carriers embracing springsv having their support upon the main frame of the vehicle. A

Another object of the invention isto provide an improved construction of the spring suspension member embodying a base exspring'l carrier adapted to embrace the end of the spring removed from the frame base, together with means for adju-sting and regulating the tension of 'such springs.

p The `invention also has for an object to provide a construction ,of casing extending transversely between the machine frame members and provided With means for detachably supporting the members of a universal driving connection so that either or both of vsaid `members may be removed as found desirable.

Otherand further objects and advantages of the invention will be hereinafter set forth and the novel features thereof dened by the appended claims.

In the drawings v Figure 1 is a plan ofthe machine frame, the body being indicated in dotted lines;

Figure 2 is a side elevation thereof with parts brokenl away; f

Figure '3 is a Adetail cross section of the spring suspension unit; l a

Figure 4 is a top plan thereof;

Figure 5 is a detail elevation', with parts in section, of the spring support;

Figure 6 is a vertical section through the Wheel assembly; and

.Figure 7 is a rear elevation thereof with parts in section. i

Like reference numerals designate corre-v sponding parts throughoutthe several igi Y ures of the drawing.

While the invention is applicable to many types of vehicles, it is for the purpose of illustration herein shown in Figures 1 and` 2 are extended to a central pivotal connection 17 upon an inverted U-shaped casing 18 carried, by the main frame 10, this suspension being effected by means of an interposed spring unit 19,.as Will be more fully hereinafter described.

:.- In this assemblage the frame is providedv 'with a supporting member 20 to receive the driving motors ,21 for the separate Wheels, such motors vbeing preferably of an electr1c comprises a withdrawing the pivotal connections at character and actuated by a generator 22 connected to the usual motor 23 of explosive type. The motors 24 for the front wheels `25 are similarly mounted at the front of the vwhich support the bearings 29 for the inner section 30 of the transmission shaft. This shaft is formed at its inner end with a reduced portion 31 suitably seated in bushings in the bearings 29 and these bearings further carry a portion 32 of the enclosing casing for the worm gear 33 secured upon the shaft 30. The outer section 34 of this casing is intended to be removable as well as the enclosing casing 35 at the base thereof in which the driving worm 36 from the motor is disposed. This worm has proper bearings 37 for its outer ends. Y

From the parts so far described it'will be obvious that if the casings 34 and 35 are removed the section 30 of vthe transmission shaft and parts carried thereby may be withdrawn, particularly after the outer section is likewise withdrawn. 'Ihe` body of the casing 26 provides for the pivotal mounting of the connectors l5 and 16 in the same vertical plane and at a central point so that the tendency to a side thrust or movement through the end play of the connec' tor is eliminated.

.The outer end of the shaft section 30 is supported in a bearing plate 38 carried by the members 18 of the frame and may also be provided with a brake drum 39- and cooperating shoe 40 as shown in Figure 3. The end of the shaft terminates in a universal joint 41 which in the'present instance cup 42 having a sleeve 43 slidingly mounte upon the angular end 44 of the outer transmitting shaft 45. The outer end of the shaft 45 is formed with a universal joint 46 which is connected to the stub shaft 47 for driving` the wheel, as shown in Figure 6. This shaft extends through the usual wheel support 48 which is provided at diametrically opposite 'points with pivoting lugs 49 adapted to receive the ends/ofthe connectors 15 and 16.

As shown in Figure 4, these connectors are of more or less plate form and have suitable open spaces for access to parts within the' easm there rom.

The construction just described provides for the removal of the wheel with the outer section of the transmission shaft by merly The sliding joint rformed by the members ball member embraced by the/ d being adapted for adjustment axially of the to vary and also for projecting members.-

" arrangement, however, 1s

43 and 44 is preferably enclosed within a shoe 50 to protect the same against dirt'or injury. The frame members are also formed adjacent their outer ends with curved guide lugs 51 extending in opposite directions and passing through apertures 52 formed inJ the connectors 15 and 16 respectively, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. This prevents any accidental movement in other than a vertical plane of the connecting members relative to the frame.

While the casing 18 may shown in Figure 3 with its outer end 53 bolted thereto, one of' which bolts may also secure the upward and laterally extending standard 54 which carries the bearing cap 86. The main frame 10 also has secured thereto an outwardly extending spring base 55 as shown in Figures 3 and l5. .c

Mounted upon this base is a coil'spring 56 which supports at its upper end the spring plate 57 carried by the upper connector 15.

be applied tothe y main frame 10 in any desired manner, 1t 1s This plate is pivotally mounted upon thevv connector at 58 to accommodate its lfree movement. Above the spring 57 is a spring 60 which is suitably enclosed by a telescoping casing 61 supported by the plate 57 and by the carrier 54 from the frame. Beneath the spring .support 55 from the frame a spring 62 is disposed and enclosed within a telescoping casing 63, the'lower end of this spring being seated against the spring plate 64 pivotally connected at 65 tp the' lower connecting member 16, so that both of the connectors are lcontrolled in unison in the downward or compressive movement of the springs.

It has also been found desirable to adjust the tension of these springs to take up any sag which may occur during'continued use, and for that purpose I have provided a 4follower 66 bearing upon the upper end of the spring 62 and a corresponding follower 67 bearing upon the spring 60, these followers spring by means of the threaded upper portion 68 of the shaft rod 69 which has the followers. As shown at 70, lthe connection of the follower 67 with the 'rod is by means of a freely rotatable disk 70 and a similar connection 71 is made with the follower 66,

the latter being capable of longitudinal adjustment uponthe rod in case'it is desired lthe relative distance of the followers.

In the illustration of this spring mounting, parallel.' springs are shown but it will be obvious that the number and arrangement thereof may be altered at will. The parallel found particularly desirable since it supplies the yielding support directly at the-points of connectlon of the ivoted connectors. In the arrangpment of t e springs as shown in Figure 5 t e section 45 of the transmission shaft extends be tween. the springs, and the frame is provided with a suitable elongated opening 72 to permit free movement ofthe parts at this point.

i In order to provide a wide bearing at the wheel support and permit the most convenient removal of the pivot lin disassembling the parts, it has been found desirable' to form an elongated bearing box 73 on the Wheel support to receivethe pivot bolt 49 which passes through the separated end sections 74 of the connectors, as more specilically shown in Figures 4 and 7. In this connection a suitable bushing 75 may be used in this bearing and suitable lubricating connections as shown at 76 provided ,to reduce friction therein.

The Wheel support 48 is formed with a central bearing portion 77 through Which the stub shaft 47 passes, this shaft being provided at its outer end with a squared portion 78 of the usual character by Which the rotatable Wheel body 79` is driven. This' body also carries a bearing 8() which rides upon the bearing portion 77 in the rotation of the Wheel, the details thereof not being essential to the present invention. The wheel body is also provided with a brake member 81 and cooperating shoe 82 having a: connector 83 extending through the Wheel support 48 for operation at a suitable point. The Wheel is retained in position by the usual nuts 84 and 85 and if it be desired to remove the Wheel this nut and the retaining nuts 85 maybe removed and the entire rotatable section Withdrawn from the Wheel support and members carried thereby.-

If desired a recoil check Lmay be applied between the connectors and frame, for instance as shown in Figure 3 Where the cylinder 87 is secured'to the frame andthe piston rod therefrom pivotally attached at 88 to the connector.

From the foregoing description'the general operation' of this invention will be apparent, and it will be seen that the normal pressure upon the .chassis is appliedto the springs 60 and 62 through the connecting members 54 and 71 from the' frame which move in unison and against the spring carriers of the two connectorsvvhich support the lower ends of the springs mentioned.

It is also desirable to provide a recoil spring at 56 intermediate the fixed support 55 from the frame and the spring carrier of the upper connector. By this arrangement of the springs and their disposition immediately adjacent the wheel support the most eflicient supporting action is' secured with the maximum resi iency and minimum tendency to vibration and rebound as the lsprings are disposed at the greatest possible distance from the inner pivots ofthe connector, thus forming a long leverage.

It has also been found desirable to connect the upper and lower spring supports from the frame by. a rod member which independent driving units for the Wheels and provides for the elimination lof lthe usual diferential and the ready removabiliy ty of the driving units as found desirable.

This is facilitated by the inverted U-shaped construction having the triangular body4 carrying the bearings for the transmission shafts and a fixed portion of the casings therefor.

While the specific details of construction have been shown and described, the invention is not conlined thereto aschanges and alterations may be made therein without departing/from the spirit thereof as defined by the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a spring suspension, a chassis frame, a casing supported thereon, opposite Wheel supports, parallel connectors extending from the casing to said supports, coiled supporting springs carried by the frame at a point intermediate the casing and Wheel support and acting on means upon said connectors adjacent the Wheel support, a spring carrier mounted upon the frame and ex- Afn'ectors adjacent t e wheel support, a drive llll shaft bearing provided at thecenteriof the casing, and means for supporting the outer end of'said shaft for verticalxfmovement Within aslotted port-ion of the frame.

3. In a spring suspension, a frame comprising parallel side members, a transverse casing secured at each end to'said members,

opposite Wheel supports, parallelconnecto-rs pivoted to the casing at theirl inner ends and tothe wheel supports at their outer ends, and springs supported by the side members intermediate the casing and Wheel 'l supports and acting on means upon each of the connectors adjacent their pivot at the Wheel support. i

4. In a spring suspension, a frame comprising parallel side members, a 'transverse casing secured at each end'to said members, opposite wheel supports, parallel connectors pivoted to the Icasing at their inner ends l and to the wheel Supports at their outer ends, a fixed spring support extended laterally from the side members intermediate the easing and' wheel supports, pivoted spring carriers mounted upon each of the connectors at their outer ends, and springs dis` posed between' said carriers and fixed support.

y 5. In 'a spring suspension, a frame'comprising parallel side members, a transverse casing ysecured at each end to said members, opposite wheel supports, connectors pivoted to the casing at their inner ends and to the wheel supports at their outer ends, a fixed spring support extended laterally from the side members intermediate the casing and Wheel supports', pivoted spring carriers mounted upon each of the connectors at their outer ends, springs disposed between said carriers and lixed support, a spring casing support-ed from the side members above the upper -spring carrier, and a recoil spring disposed therein to bear upon said carrier.

6. In a spring suspension, a frame comprising parallel side members, a transverse casing secured at each end to said members, opposite wheel supports, connectors pivoted to the casing at their inner ends and to the wheel supports at their outer ends, a ixed spring support extended laterally from the outer face of the side members, pivoted spring carriers mounted upon each ot the connectors at their outer ends, springs disposed between said carriers and fixed support, a spring casing supported from the frame side members above the upper spring carrier, arecoil spring disposed therein to bear upon said carrier, and means fqrjointly adjusting the tension of said recoil spring and the spring beneath the ixed support from the frame and comprising a threaded rod having freely mounted carriers thereon bearing upon said springs.

7. In a spring suspension, opposite frame members, a casing provided with a central body portion and securedl at its opposite ends tosaid members, bearing casings carried by said body portion, independent drive shafts each having gear members disposed in said casings, separate motors for actuating said gear members, opposite wheel supports, parallel connectors pivoted upon 'the body of the casing and at their outer ends to saidwheel supports, and a spring support carried by the frame and acting on meansupon each of the parallel connectors.

carried by said body portion, a drive shaft 8. In a spring suspension, opposite frame members, a casing provided with a central body portion and secured at its opposite ends to said members, separable bearing casings having a gear member disposed in said casi ings, opposite wheel supports, parallel connectors pivoted in a common vertical plane upon the bodyo the caslng and at. their supports, upper and lower connectors Vpivoted to the-casing and to said wheel supports, spring carriers pivoted upon said connectors intermediate the casing and adjacent the wheel support pivot, a spring disposed between. the frame support and the carrier of the upper connector, a spring easing supported by the trame and extending above .the spring support and ysaid upper connector, a spring disposed between the sprin carrier upon the upper connector and sai spring casing, and a coiled spring disposed beneath the txed frame support and supported by the spring carrier otl the lower connector,

10. In a spring suspension, opposite frame memberseaeh having a fixed spring support, a transverse casing connecting said members, upper and lower connectors pivoted at their inner ends to said casing, wheel supports pivoted at the outer ends to said connectors, spring carriers mounted` upon each of the connectors, a fixed spring support extended from the frame above the upper connector, a spring extending therefrom to the upper face of said connector, a spring disposed between the lower face of said connector and the fixed support upon the frame, a spring disposed between the lower face-of the fra-me support and the carrier of the lower oonnector, and telescopingv casings surrounding said springs for protective purposes.v l

11. In a spring suspension, opposite frame members, an inverted U-shaped casing connecting the same, wheel supports, connectors pivoted ,to the casing and said sup orts, spring means extending between the rame and said connectors for yieldingly supporting the same, a central body -orsaid casing provided at opposite sides with open bearings, transmission shafts mounted in `said bearings and provided with a gear member, driving shafts for said gear members pivoted in the depending sides of said casing, a supbeneath and aligned with thev spring supports of the frame, and coiled springs disposed between said carriers and supports to the spring supports 'of 'the frame, coiled springs disposed between said carriers and supports to jointly control the parallel connectors,land a connecting member extending between the spring supports from' the frame and supporting a contact member for each spring.

14. y ber having llateral-lyextended spring supports disposedin different horizontal planes, a wheel support, a casing, parallel connectors extendingfrom sai-d wheel support tothe casing, spring'cariers upon each of said con'- nectorsldisposed beneath and aligned with the spring supports of the frame, coiled springsdisposed between said carriers and supports to jointly control the parallel connectors, reciprocating followersl disposed in contact with said springs,'and a threaded connector between the supports from Xthe frame and threaded thereln to .adjust said followers in unison.

15. In a spring suspension, a frame memtors extending from said w Ina -spring suspension, a frame mem-l ber having laterally extended spring supports disposed indiiferent horizontal planes, a wheel support, a casing, arallel conneceel support to the casing, spring carriers upon each of said connectors disposed beneath andaligned with the spring supports of the frame, coiled` springs 'disposed between said carriers and supports to jointly control the parallel connectors, reciprocating .followers disposed in contact with said springs, a threaded con-l nector between the supports from the frame and threaded therein to adjust said yfollowers `in unison, and a recoil spring disposed beneath the upper connector 'and one of the frame spring supports.'

16. In a spring suspension, opposite frame members, a casing secured at its opposite ends thereto and provided with a central bearing portion having a gear casing at its outer face, a transmission shaft section mounted in said bearing portion 'and having a driving gearwithin said casing, a wheel support, a shaft section carried by said supvport and having a telescoping connection with the first mentioned section, pivoted connectors extending from the wheel support to the casing, a. drive shaft carried b said gear casing and geared directly to t e drivin gear, and a motor adjacent said casing and independently connected to said drive shaft.'

' In testimonywhereoi I ailix my signature.

HARRY C. 'MGCLEARY 

